The San Francisco Giants are stirring up some intrigue in the baseball world! Could Cody Bellinger be their next big move?
Susan Slusser from the San Francisco Chronicle has dropped a tantalizing piece of news, revealing that the Giants have expressed interest in the former NL MVP, Cody Bellinger. This news comes during a relatively quiet offseason for the Bay Area team, who have been linked to various trade candidates and free agents.
But here's where it gets interesting: Bellinger, a versatile outfielder, could be the perfect fit for the Giants' right field vacancy. Despite having Rafael Devers and Bryce Eldridge as first base/DH options, Bellinger's defensive prowess in the corners is undeniable. His 2025 season with the Yankees showcased his skills, saving 15 Defensive Runs and achieving 6 Outs Above Average as a left and right fielder.
And this is the part most people miss—Bellinger's bat could be a game-changer for the Giants. At 30 years old, he's coming off a stellar season with a 125 wRC+ (29 home runs, .272/.334/.480 in 656 plate appearances). However, there's a potential catch. Bellinger's home and away performance varied significantly, which could be a concern if he were to call the pitcher-friendly Oracle Park his new home.
The Giants' interest in Bellinger isn't entirely new. They've been linked to him in previous free agency periods when Farhan Zaidi was at the helm. Current president of baseball operations, Buster Posey, has firsthand experience facing Bellinger during his Dodgers days. Posey also shares a connection with Bellinger's agent, Scott Boras, having worked with his client Matt Chapman on a contract extension.
The Giants' inquiry might be routine due diligence, but it raises questions. Are they willing to meet Bellinger's asking price? MLB Trade Rumors predict a five-year, $140MM contract for the star, something Boras has been striving for. However, Giants chairman Greg Johnson has expressed caution about long-term contracts, especially for pitchers. Bellinger's position as an outfielder might make a difference, but the team already has significant investments in Devers, Chapman, Lee, and Adames through 2029.
San Francisco's focus seems to be on starting pitching, with only a few spots locked down. If they're cautious about spending on pitchers, they might explore trades to fill those roles and allocate free agent funds to a big-name position player like Bellinger. The Yankees, Mets, Angels, Blue Jays, and Phillies have all shown interest, but the Phillies' re-signing of Kyle Schwarber may shift the dynamics.
So, will the Giants make a bold move for Bellinger? It's a move that could spark debate among fans and experts alike. What do you think? Is Bellinger the missing piece the Giants need, or should they focus their resources elsewhere? Share your thoughts below!
